The world controlled by dice [Western Fantasy]

"Good afternoon, Jimmy."

Siles failed to find Jimmy in the low house near Ernestine's Tavern, and he realized that the children might have moved, but then he remembered that they were probably at the general store on Dawson Street. side.

Sure enough, Siles found Jimmy at the Geisha grocery store, and the latter was watching the store, playing with a Rubik's cube with great interest.

Jimmy noticed the arrival of Siles, stood up immediately, and said very happily: "Good afternoon, Mr. Noel. Long time no see!"

"Long time no see." Siles smiled slightly, "How are you doing?"

Jimmy said: "It's not bad. The big man seems to have something to do with the underground gang. After his accident, we can't stay in the underground passage anymore. However, thanks to the money you gave earlier, we rented a house in the west city .

"Besides, Geisha's business is pretty good now. We deliver goods every day, and do other things—sell newspapers, deliver milk, etc., and we can make a good living."

Siles nodded, and couldn't help but say, "You live very hard."

Jimmy rubbed his nose a little embarrassedly.

Siles turned to say, "I heard that the underground black market on Dawson Street is about to be remodeled."

He looked back at the underpass of the place.Compared with the past, it looks quite deserted here, with almost no people.The man who had told him "Dawson Street has always been here" was not there when Siles arrived.

After a while, Siles whispered, "This is good news after all."

Jimmy asked a little suspiciously: "You mean, can the business here be made aboveboard?"

"Yes." Siles said, "The specific details should still be under discussion. However, our business and shops can probably be transferred from underground to aboveground. It is estimated that those businesses that are not legal on the ground will also be banned."

Jimmy was stunned, and he said: "In this way, more guests will be attracted."

"I hope so," Sirius said.

They all looked at the place in silence.Perhaps, it can also be said that this is Lamifaxi City.

The dull air, the dim lights, the swaying figures... It seemed that nothing had changed, and it was still the way they were familiar with. Or, everything was already changing, and a huge change was already brewing.

Afterwards, Sirius let out a sigh of relief.He said, "Jimmy, I have one more thing to ask of you."

"You said." Jimmy replied seriously, "We will definitely try our best to investigate."

Siles considered it for a while - not long ago, he read the files of the men who died wearing female knight armor in the city of Ramifa in the past few decades at the Church of the Past.

Among them, the most recent case occurred 11 years ago, and the deceased was a homeless man in Xicheng.

Coupled with the fact that Bourne, the homeless man, was one of the masterminds behind the plot, Siles suspected that there must be more suspicious people among the homeless people in West City.

However, it is obviously quite dangerous for the children like Jimmy to directly investigate these suspicious people.

During the previous underground arch incident, Siles was terrified because of what happened to Jimmy.These young kids are quite brave and fearless, it's in their nature.However, if you are in danger because of such a character, it is not worth the loss.

But Siles didn't want to show his thoughts directly.He knew it might be mistaken by the kids for looking down on them.

Therefore, after thinking for a moment, Siles said: "I also intend to continue to promote Geisha's toys and other products. After the renovation of Dawson Street, our business is expected to continue to expand.

"It's just the three ladies and you kids in the store right now. We may need more people when the store expands. So, Jimmy, do you know if there's anyone you can trust among the homeless people?"

"You mean the bums?" Jimmy gave an unexpected, somewhat contemptuous expression, "but sir, I think those people are pretty unreliable. Most of them are good hands, young, but still Homeless and unwilling to look for work.

"You might as well go to a regular market. I know there are intermediaries in West City who specialize in this kind of recruitment. You can ask them to introduce you to some workers."

Siles nodded, he guessed that Jimmy would give such a reply.

So he said: "I will also contact over there. But among those homeless people, I also want to try to find some talents that may exist." He inadvertently mixed his real purpose with such a statement, "At least Find out about their past."

Jimmy scratched his hair in confusion, and suddenly, he thought of something: "Sir, I remember you are still a novelist. Are you looking for inspiration from the lives of those homeless people? That's a good idea too."

Siles was slightly taken aback, he suddenly felt that the reason Jimmy said was much better than the one he just thought of.

So he said, "You can say the same thing."

Jimmy nodded vigorously and said, "I see. Some homeless people like to tell stories about their past, and we will help you find out. Seriously, I suddenly began to wonder how they got to this point." of."

Jimmy wrinkled his nose, looking a little confused.

"You probably haven't seen much of those people...they...they look pretty healthy and young, but they're not willing to do anything," he said.

Siles thought to himself, maybe there are some people with malicious intentions among these homeless people.But maybe it's just those people who can't persevere in this era of chaos and darkness.

He sighed in his heart, and said to Jimmy, "Perhaps we can find a reason from their past."

Jimmy nodded slowly.

Speaking of this matter, Siles thought of another matter that he needed to ask Jimmy.He said, "Jimmy, are you going to school?"

Jimmy had secretly attended school classes, but he had not received systematic education.Siles believes that this smart boy can completely change his destiny by going to school, not to mention the rapid development of today.

"...I have thought about it, to tell you the truth." Jimmy hesitated, and then said frankly, "However, I can't go for a while. My companions still need me, and I don't want to Live up to your kindness."

It was because of these words that Siles suddenly realized that Jimmy was actually quite a mature child... No, he should not even be described as a child anymore.

Jimmy is quite aware of the usefulness and benefits of studying and going to school, but various reasons hold him back.It is also impossible for Siles to force Jimmy to go to school. He knows that Jimmy also has things to do.

Siles then said: "However, going to school will not completely affect your normal life." He thought about it, and then said, "You can look for relevant textbooks first, and second-hand textbooks will be cheaper.

"Try to let yourself understand the relevant knowledge first, and learn it slowly. When you have the opportunity, maybe this year's rainy holiday is over, and you can go directly to school."

Jimmy's eyes widened in surprise, and he murmured, "Second-hand textbooks..."

"Yes," said Siles. "You can buy a whole set. And when you're done, you can teach other children and give them those books."

Jimmy froze for a long time, then he nodded vigorously: "I will." He said excitedly, "Mr. Noel, thank you. I will...I will listen to you. I will study hard. "

Siles smiled and felt a little relieved.Maybe, he thought, it was because he was so used to being a professor.

"I look forward to the day you go to school ... even, become my student," he said.

"Ramifah University..." Jimmy whispered, something heavier determined on his face.He clenched his fist and said, "I will, I won't disappoint you."

Siles encouraged him softly, then took out his pocket watch to check the time.It's past two o'clock.He said good-bye to Jimmy, and walked to Ernestine's.

On the way, he gradually felt the effect of the renovation plan in Lamifa City.Some roads that were once muddy have gradually become flat and solid, and some old and rusty water pipes have also been strengthened.

This is the most basic and most obvious change.

This is a rare warm spring.Previously, Siles had heard in some chats that spring in Ramifa City always seemed short, and the transition from winter to summer seemed like a fleeting moment.

But this year is different.The warm and soft spring breeze always makes people feel comfortable.

Siles really wanted to analyze this matter from a geographical point of view, such as the fog dissipating, and the sun shining on a large area of ​​land again... Unfortunately, this is just his guess, without any basis at all.

In any case, Lamifa City was indeed undergoing changes, and so was the entire world of Fischer.

By the time Siles arrived at Ernestine's Tavern, Detective Jon had already arrived.He and Qin Duo sat there, looking at each other, keeping silent.

Ernestine's Tavern has also undergone some changes.The original decoration has also been slightly modified, and now the overall style is brighter, more like a tavern for daily drinking and chatting, rather than the original... an underground trading place.

"Good afternoon." Siles walked over and sat beside Qinduo very naturally, "I've been waiting for a long time."

"It's not a long wait." Jon blinked and said with a smile, "Mr. Praia and I are chatting."

Siles listened to this statement noncommittally - he knew Qin Duo quite well.

After Siles arrived, Qindo's aura seemed to relax a lot, and he even showed a slight smile.He sat there lazily, looking for Sirius' hand under the table eagerly, and then played with Sirius' fingers.

...Qin Duo always has this habit of playing with things in his hands.

Siles glanced sideways at him and let him go.He turned to Jon and said, "Mr. Detective, then we can get to the point as soon as possible."

Jon shrugged, "Sure, that's fine."

There were only three of them in the tavern, and no other guests.Siles suspects that Qindo greeted this side in advance.Anyway, it really made it easier for them to talk about business.

Qin Duo helped to order three drinks.None of them drink alcohol.

Taking advantage of this time, Siles sorted out the information related to the extermination case of the Darrow family in his mind.Regardless of the breadth or breadth, they have actually investigated quite a lot of information.

However, these plethora of clues have not yet been able to lead them into the door of the truth.

Siles thinks that they are still missing a certain... key information, or rather, an understanding of a certain concept.

Man in cavalier armor engraved with marigolds.What exactly does this mean?

Understanding this concept helps them understand the truth.However, just as they once investigated the "non-existent city" related incidents at Hales House, it is one thing to know the truth and another to solve the incident.

They can still try to solve these problems.

Siles said: "Not long ago, I just got some information from the church of the past. I learned that in the past, there have been a series of suspicious cases."

Then, he told Jon the relevant information.Jon listened intently, occasionally showing a thoughtful expression.

Jon didn't ask why Siles could learn so much information, he just said slightly confused: "So, are there any problems with those homeless people in the West City?"

Silles paused, then nodded, and said, "I think it might be so."

Jon thought for a while, then said with a wry smile: "However, we won't be able to find the problematic one among so many homeless people for a while, and ask Marina Kailan's whereabouts from him."

Yes.Siles thought.Herein lies the problem.No one knows where the mysterious fiancee is now.

...and the painter.Siles thought again of the mysterious painter who appeared with Brewer Darrow and then disappeared after Brewer's death.

He sketched the connection of these people in his mind, but realized that he couldn't find any breakthrough for the time being, so he wisely gave up for the time being.He asked: "About those people you mentioned over there..."

Jon then said: "I have tried to get some news from them these two days. But..." He shook his head regretfully, "I wrote in the letter that they seem to think that this conspiracy and some kind of date , Time related.

"They were probably saying, 'It's almost time,' or, 'It's going to be late.' But they were reluctant to say when."

Siles couldn't help but frowned, he never liked this kind of riddle guessing."Since they think 'the time' is coming, are they doing anything?" he asked.

Jon shook his head, and with a surprisingly delicate emotion, said, "That's a bunch of cowards. I'd say, Professor, they all know the Shadow exists.

"But from another perspective, they are like believers in the 'Shadow', only daring to hide in the dark. They never dared to disclose this matter to the outside world, and they didn't even dare to fight the 'Shadow'."

Siles listened silently.To a certain extent, he can understand the mentality of this group of people after he understands the nature of "shadow" better.Of course, understanding does not mean agreeing.

However, it is indeed difficult for human beings to overcome the cowardice in their hearts when facing gods.

Even though the human beings in this world have the power of the enlightener... From another perspective, this power also comes from a god, but that god is not so ostentatious and conspicuous.

Qin Duo asked curiously from the side: "So, who are those people?"

Jon thought for a while and said, "There are all kinds of people. According to my observation, some of them are probably not low-status figures in Lamifa City, while others are young enlighteners who discovered the problem by accident.

"Part of it may be related to the Historical Society. When I was meeting with them a few days ago, I heard them mention the upcoming arena competition of the Historical Society... To be honest, some elders really have 'creative ideas'."

He pronounced the word "creative" rather ironically.At this point, Jon's hostile attitude towards the Historical Society is undoubtedly revealed.

Siles thought about it.Of course, he wasn't talking about the group arena.

He meant, if there were big figures among those people, and they might be related to the Historical Society... Could it be an elder within the Historical Society?

Does anyone inside the Historical Society also know the existence of "Shadow"?This was something he hadn't imagined before.

The reason why he thought of this question was because he remembered the nursery rhyme-like transcript that the scribe Bart secretly handed him.Barthes once said that the bigwigs at the top of the Historical Society asked him to copy it.

And in that nursery rhyme, it does contain some content related to the secrets of the world.

Silas's thoughts raced over the matter.Too much time has passed, and he has somewhat forgotten the content of that nursery rhyme.

However, he still clearly remembered that the nursery rhyme increased his knowledge attribute by five points in one go.In addition, it was also from the nursery rhyme that he first learned about the saying "the stars fell on the sea".

...This means that there may be some people in the Historical Society who know something about the "shadow", but they don't dare to stand up against the "shadow".

They may be secretly collecting some information related to "Shadow", including the nursery rhyme, but they don't dare to take the initiative to read these materials, so they let those scribes become their stepping stones.

Siles' "self-reincarnation" ritual saved the scribes, and at the same time allowed Siles to learn about this inside story.

He suddenly thought about it.Maybe, he thought, he could go to Bart the scribe again.From the mouth of the scribe, he may be able to learn more information, especially about the senior member of the Historical Society.

In addition, he will also go to the group arena to watch the battle on Saturday, and there will definitely be other elders coming, so he can test their attitudes.

Maybe he can get an unexpected helper?

Even if the insider is not willing to get deeply involved in this matter, let alone directly confront the "Shadow", the information he has learned in the past period of time must be shared with Siles.

In this matter, Siles and Jon's identities and positions are completely different.Siles at least already has a certain reputation in the Historical Society, and Jon even stands on the opposite side of the Historical Society.

Siles secretly made up his mind.

Then he asked: "Since they say that the 'time' is coming soon, is there any indication of how close it is?"

This is a very important question.It is early April.If the "conspiracy" will be carried out in the next day or two, then they may not be able to stop it in time; but if it is in the next month or two, then they still have some room for action.

Jon shook his head regretfully. He sat back, touched his chin and said, "They didn't disclose this detail. Of course, judging from their performance, they may not be that urgent yet."

Siles frowned slightly."One question is ... why do they know so much about it?" he said.

Jon shrugged, indicating that he didn't know either.

Siles couldn't help being silent for a moment.

A group of people who are aware of the existence of followers of certain Old Gods.They also know what these followers of the old gods want to do, even down to the exact time.This thing actually seems pretty incredible.

"Accurate to a certain point in time", this is the most incredible place.

……unless……

Siles narrowed his eyes and said, "I think of a possibility."

"What?" Jon asked a little curiously.

Qin Duo also looked at him with very focused eyes.

"Unless something similar happened at the same time in the past," says Siles. "Because they know it happened in the past, they know it's about to happen now. The power of recurrence."

Jon was taken aback.

Qin Duo said in surprise: "You mean... you mean the three suspicious cases?"

Siles nodded. He sighed and said, "I didn't pay attention to the specific dates of these cases before. Maybe I have to write a letter to the Church of the Past."

Of course, he still remembered that the first two bodies were found in the summer.The third body is currently unknown.

And Xia Tian... It is indeed not long from now.

50 years ago, 30 years ago, 11 years ago.Maybe something similar will happen this year?A serial murder that lasted for decades?

But there is no pattern to this date.Siles couldn't help thinking.How did those people confirm that there will be changes this year?

Jon also suddenly said: "Serial murder case! It's like this." He said with great interest, even too much interest, "However, you just said that the earliest case happened 50 years ago.

"That seems a bit too far away. If the murderer was a young man at that time, he must be very old now. So...they were committed by a gang, or even a family inheritance? No, maybe it can also be said to be an initiation ceremony of a group .”

Jon looked very excited, perhaps because the case stimulated his instincts as a detective.He muttered a series of analysis, and it took a while before he suddenly woke up.

He smiled apologetically and said, "Sorry, I lost my temper a bit."

"It's nothing." Siles' attitude was quite calm, and he turned to say, "I think what you said is also reasonable. There must be a reason for the long time interval between the cases."

Jon nodded in agreement, and he said: "The earliest one happened 50 years ago... No, maybe it happened earlier or after this, but the relevant archives are not included in the official records. Maybe, The body was never found at all."

This statement also made Sirius think about it.It is indeed possible.

On the one hand, what the church in the past recorded was only the incidents they encountered, not all the related cases that happened in Lamifa City.Maybe the police in Lamifa City, or even the second corridor of the Historical Society, will have relevant information.

On the other hand, as far as the current three cases are concerned, these bodies were actually abandoned in the wilderness or in a very hidden place. When the first two bodies were discovered, they were even completely decomposed.

Sirius wouldn't be surprised if there were indeed dead bodies left undiscovered.

Moreover, earlier, Lamifa City was not as peaceful as it is now.Countless people go missing in Lamifa City every year, and it doesn't seem very surprising that one or two corpses are mixed in every ten or even decades.

Siles shared his thoughts with Jon, and said: "We may try to find more information from the police station and the historical society."

Jon nodded knowingly, and he said: "Then leave it to me at the police station. As a detective, I still have some contacts there. As for the second corridor, I have to leave it to you."

"No problem." Sirius replied.

They roughly assigned tasks, and they were sure about the next investigation.Jon couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He couldn't help saying: "It's really easy to work with you, but it's a pity that you always have so many other things to do, and you can't always focus on the same thing."

Siles stared at him silently.He seems to have been teased about it a lot lately—referring to his busyness.

Qin Duo also laughed in a low voice.

Jon looked at the time and had no plans to have dinner with them.He said: "The police station should not be off work now. I will go to the police officer I know to understand the situation. If there is any progress, I will write to you."

Siles nodded and bid him farewell.

After Jon left, Qin Duo said, "Is this a progress?"

Siles thought for a moment, then shook his head slowly: "I just found a new direction for investigation."

Previously they were helpless in the face of existing information, but now they can at least try to find relevant information from a new perspective.This is a good thing.

If the laws hidden in these cases can be found, it will be a major breakthrough.

"You're right," Cinder said.

Siles smiled and said, "You sit here for a while, I'll go to the back kitchen to find Eric."

"Okay." Qin Duo was very obedient, but he leaned forward and kissed Sirius not very obediently.A very gentle kiss, as if he just wanted to touch the corner of Sirius' lips on a whim.

Siles glanced at him and whispered, "We're still outside."

"So I just kissed you lightly." Cindo said rather slyly.What he meant was that if he was at home, such a simple kiss would not be able to send him away.

Occasionally, he would show this greedy nature in front of Siles, as if deliberately maintaining the novelty of love.Sirius knew this well.

But even though he knew it, it was difficult for Siles to respond enthusiastically most of the time—it should be said that the word enthusiasm seemed to have been completely insulated from Siles.

So he just chuckled a bit, and reached out to swing Gyndo's braid from behind to in front of him.The braid just hung obliquely on Qin Duo's shoulders.

Qin Duo tilted his head in confusion: "What's wrong?"

"Just wanted to see your braid," Siles said. "A different braid today?"

"Yes. Do you like it?"

"Of course." Siles said, and gently touched Gyndo's cheek.

He didn't say anything more, and then he got up and went to the back kitchen of Ernestine's Tavern.Instead, Qin Duo was stunned for a while, and then slowly relaxed.For some reason, every time Sirius fiddled or played with his braids, Cendo always felt a little nervous.

That kind of tension was deeply hidden in his heart, and it was difficult to see it.But he thought Sirius must know.So, Siles did it on purpose.

...That was one of his hallmarks, that gray and white slightly curly long hair.However, it was imprisoned by the hair rope Braided by Sirius, and at the same time was stroked and played by Sirius himself.

Qin Duo never cared about her hair before. The reason why she kept it so long was because she had lived in Kansas for a long time, and because she had no interest in taking care of it carefully.If it's too long, he'd rather just cut it off himself.

But since getting to know Siles, he has started to care about his own image instead.

Qin Duo was stunned for a while, not knowing why, but felt a subtle sweetness pervading her heart.He likes the feeling—frankly—that he's made a difference for Celes, and Celes notices it and praises him.He quite liked it.

He really wanted to go to Sirius now.But his beloved god told him to sit here and wait for him.So—well, he'll just wait until his beloved god turns his gaze back on him.

Qin Duo smiled softly.He was obsessed with the feeling that he believed in Sirius devoutly and that Sirius would indeed respond to him.He felt so lucky; for even though he was so greedy, fate had favored him.

His beloved god is a gentle person down to the bone.It's just that people often don't get to see it.

Qin Duo closed her eyes, then propped her chin in boredom, silently counting the passage of time.He is used to waiting, and at the same time he is also used to the sweet fruit after waiting.He looks forward to it.

...and Siles found Eric in the back kitchen at this moment.

After Cindo bought the Ernestine Tavern, Cindo quite naturally promoted a friend of Siles to manage the tavern.Eric was very grateful for that.

Therefore, when Siles mentioned that he needed Eric's help to look through the past materials in the second corridor, Eric immediately agreed without thinking about it.

Then he realized what the problem was.He was startled, and couldn't help saying: "You mean, Breuer's..."

"Yes." Siles whispered, "It is very likely that it has something to do with Brewer."

He roughly mentioned the content of the conversation with Jon just now to Eric, and mentioned that they suspected that a serial murder that no one knew about had probably occurred in the city of Ramifa in the past period of time.

Eric gasped inexplicably, and he said nervously, "So, is Brewer one of the victims?"

Siles was taken aback for a moment before realizing Eric's meaning.

Abandoned male corpse.On this concept, Brewer certainly fits the bill.However, when Brewer was dumped, he was not wearing female knight armor, so it did not seem to conform to the previous law of crime.

...Besides, when they found Brewer's body, they also found that there were some traces of abuse after death on his body.This is also a rather subtle point.

"Probably not a victim in this serial murder case," said Siles, who didn't entirely dismiss the possibility, "but there must be a connection between those two things."

"I see," Eric said, sighing. "Hopefully we'll find out the truth about this eventually."

In this regard, Sirius couldn't help but sighed.

They wisely ended the subject when the atmosphere was more sombre.

Eric turned, "So, are you going to eat here?"

Siles glanced at his pocket watch and found that it was past four o'clock.This afternoon passed like running water.And tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, he will go to La Mifa University to attend classes.

He said, "I'll ask Qin Duo."

Qin Duo naturally had no objection to this matter.They had an early dinner at Ernestine's Tavern.Taking this opportunity, Siles also asked Eric what he thought about the banquet after Siles moved.

Eric thought for a while, and then said very sincerely: "Actually, this is not a big deal, professor, we all know that you are very busy. Maybe it doesn't matter if we have a dinner together after you have been busy for a while.

"You don't need to make a special time to hold a party. When you are free, maybe next month, maybe later, maybe after we solve the matter of the Darrow family, we can celebrate these things together. Pretty good choice."

Siles had to admit that Eric's statement was quite reasonable.

The matter of the moving banquet has been bothering him for a while, but there is no need to be so anxious.It is unlikely that his friendship with his friends will be affected by this dinner.

He breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It seems that I can choose a more suitable time."

Eric hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help but said with a little worry: "You still have to pay attention to rest, and don't always torture yourself with those difficult problems."

Siles nodded helplessly.

After the meal, he and Qin Duo walked slowly along the streets of the West City for a while.They went to Logan's Market and bought some household items there.That made Siles feel a very life-like fireworks.

Talk to your lover about what to eat tomorrow morning, what time to get up, what daily necessities are missing at home, whether you should buy seasonal clothes... all kinds of problems can relieve the slightly heavy emotions in Siles' heart.

It was just past six o'clock when they returned to 99 Kelly Street.

Qin Duo asked: "Are you still going to the dreamland today?"

He felt that Sirius' schedule today was already busy enough... Look at how many people Sirius has met, how many things he has arranged, and how much information he has learned today.However, Qindo also knew what answer Siles would give.

"Yes." Sirius said, "I have to look for the dream of Hud Dreyson. I don't know how he is now."

Qin Duo couldn't help but sighed, and he said, "So, shall I accompany you in the dream?"

Siles was taken aback by the suggestion.

"I won't disturb your business. I just hope... when you are standing on that lonely island, my dream bubble can hang on the top of that little tree, so that you can see me." Qin Say more.

He once heard Sirius describe the scene in the deep sea dream—of course, after Sirius confirmed from the puppet that no one would enter the deep sea dream again.In addition, it is also because Qin Duo's will is high enough that Siles dared to tell him this information.

In short, Cendo's proposal made Siles feel a little amused and ironic.

He was silent for a moment, then said: "Okay, Qindo. Let's enter the dreamland together. You can also go to Tau's cemetery to see the latest situation."

Qin Duo: "..."

He entered the dreamland only to accompany his beloved god, not to do business in Tau's tomb... Will he also be involved in the busyness of Siles?

However, facing Sires' serious gaze, he only hesitated for a moment, and then replied very quickly: "I listen to you."

Siles leaned forward and kissed him.

"...So, do you have any other arrangements before going to bed?" Qin Duo asked quite calmly.

Siles thought about it seriously, and then said, "I'm going to communicate with Dice."

Qin Duo: "..."

Really annoying.Why not talk to him